Waste container

ABSTRACT

A portable container for waste products, having an assembled receptacle with four side panels hingedly connected, the four side panels connected to a plurality of bottom closure panels forming a bottom closure, with the four side panels and the bottom closure define a box with a top opening. The four side panels include a first and a second set of opposing side panels, the first set of opposing side panels having a first side panel and a second side panel. A first side panel has a first handle, the first handle having a first handle first position and a first handle second position. A second side panel has a second handle, having a second handle first position and a second handle second position. The first handle and the second handle are opposably, pivotally, movable relative to each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority benefit of and is a continuation ofU.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/354,404, filed onMar. 15, 2019, entitled Disposable Container with Handle, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to the field of waste disposalcontainers or boxes. More particularly, the present invention relates tocontainers or boxes for disposal of glass, sharp materials ornon-hazardous plastic recyclable waste generated in laboratories,offices, hospitals and at other locations, and for transport of thewaste to a disposal site.

Paperboard and paper-based disposal containers and boxes have been inthe market for many years and are commonly used to store and transportglass, plastic, and sharp waste material. Paperboard boxes continue tobe used because they are sturdy enough to resist punctures from mostglass, plastic, or sharp waster material.

The problem with using paperboard boxes arises when transporting ormoving the boxes. Since the waste material includes glass, plastics, orsharp materials, it is possible for the waste material to poke throughthe paperboard. Grasping a paperboard box by its base or by its sidesputs a person's hands, arms, the torso area, and other body areas inclose proximity to the waste materials. Grasping the box by the sidesmay place pressure on the side panels, causing the box to bow or bend.If the box breaks or ruptures this may lead to injury. For safetypurposes, lifting may also require special protectives gloves orclothing just to move a box. Furthermore, repetitive bending by peoplecarrying such boxes can lead to knee, hip, and back issues by workers.

There are problems with currently existing handles on existing wastedisposal boxes. Some handles may be of a type that pivots from the planeof the box surface, however these all tend to pivot out from the topsurface or lid of the box. Other handles may of the type that is a fixedhandle, sticking out from an assembled box or lid of the box. Stillother handles may be of a plastic or other non-paper based material,with these types of handles tending to go through the box surface and tostick out from the assembled box.

The handles that pivot out from the top surface or lid of the box posemultiple problems. Often, handles that pivot outwards from the boxleaving a hole in the lid. This structure places a person's hand inclose proximity with the waste material. Handles that pivot from the boxtop surface without making a hole may only use a portion of thepaperboard material, but tend to be susceptible to tearing or ripping,making this structure suitable only for lifting small boxes. It is alsocommon for such boxes to have a single handle. Small boxes are not verypractical in a laboratory environment, particularly in busy locations.

While fixed handles tend to be sturdier than pivot handles, many boxmakers make single-handle boxes. This limits the size of the box andlimits the amount of waste material because these are boxes intended forone-handed carrying.

Whether fixed or pivoting, handles located on the box lid or on top ofthe box pose another problem. Such handles require boxes that havenon-removable lids or have some fastening means that prevents the topfrom being easily removable and allow the box to be lifted. These boxlids also tend to have fixed disposal openings, limiting the size of thewaste material that can be put into the box. Handles positioned on thebox lid also have a tendency to obstruct the disposal opening.

Fixed handles tend to stick out from the box making transportation andstacking difficult. Handles that stick out from the top make itdifficult to vertically stack the boxes. Handles that stick out to thesides make horizontal stacking difficult. Fixed handles also involvemore complicated box assembly by the user or extra shipping costs foralready assembled boxes.

Handles that are made from materials other than paper-based containermaterials need to be assembled or installed separately, largelycomplicate vertical and horizontal stacking, and add to the cost ofproduction. Final disposal may also be complicated because the handlesmay need to be removed for separate disposal, making disposal moreexpensive.

Thus, a need exists for a box with pivoting handles, that is sturdy,that protects the carrier, that can be easily packed and stacked formoving and transportation, that can accommodate larger objects, and yetis fully disposable, while minimizing cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A portable container for waste products, having an assembled receptaclewith four side panels, hingedly connected, having bottom edges, hingedlyconnected, to a plurality of bottom closure panels, the bottom closurepanels overlapping to form a bottom closure. The four side panels eachhave a top edge, such that the four side panels and the bottom closuredefine a box with a top opening. The four side panels include a firstand a second set of opposing side panels, the first set of opposing sidepanels having a first side panel and a second side panel. The first sidepanel has a first handle, the first handle having a first handle firstposition and a first handle second position, such that the first handlefirst position is coplanar with the first side panel. The first handlefurther has a first handle top, a first finger hold, and a first handlebottom, the first handle bottom being parallel to a first panel bottomedge and pivotally secured to the first side panel, with the firsthandle being pivotally movable in an arc extending from the first sidepanel about the first handle bottom to a first handle second position,angled away relative to the first side panel, and defining a first gapcoplanar with the first side panel. The second side panel has a secondhandle, having a second handle first position and a second handle secondposition, such that the second handle first position is coplanar withthe second side panel. The second handle further has a second handletop, a second finger hold, and a second handle bottom, the second handlebottom being parallel to a second panel bottom edge and pivotallysecured to the second side panel, with the second handle being pivotallymovable in an arc extending from the second side panel about the secondhandle bottom to a second handle second position, angled away relativeto the second side panel, and defining a second gap coplanar with thesecond side panel. The first handle and the second handle are opposablymovable relative to each other. Further included is a removable topclosure having a lid panel and four closure panels configuredsubstantially perpendicular to the lid panel to define a box lid,wherein the lid panel has a top side and a bottom side.

A method for safely disposing waste products, including providing areceptacle having a bottom closure, and four side panels, defining a boxwith a top opening, where the four side panels include a first and asecond set of opposing side panels, the first set of opposing sidepanels having a first side panel and a second side panel. The first sidepanel includes a first handle, the first handle having a first handlefirst position and a first handle second position, such that the firsthandle first position is coplanar with the first side panel. The firsthandle further has a first handle top, a first finger hold, and a firsthandle bottom, the first handle bottom being parallel to a first panelbottom edge and pivotally secured to the first side panel, with thefirst handle being pivotally movable in an arc extending from the firstside panel about the first handle bottom to a first handle secondposition, angled away relative to the first side panel, and defining afirst gap coplanar with the first side panel. The second side panelincludes a second handle, the second handle having a second handle firstposition and a second handle second position, such that the secondhandle first position is coplanar with the second side panel. The secondhandle further has a second handle top, a second finger hold, and asecond handle bottom, the second handle bottom being parallel to a firstpanel bottom edge and pivotally secured to the second side panel, withthe second handle being pivotally movable in an arc extending from thesecond side panel about the second handle bottom to a second handlesecond position, angled away relative to the second side panel, anddefining a second gap coplanar with the second side panel. The firsthandle and the second handle are opposably movable relative to eachother. The receptacle contains waste products. The first handle isplaced in first handle second position and the second handle is placedinto second handle second position. A removable top closure having a topside and a bottom side, a lid panel, and four closure panels defining abox lid, the four closure panels being substantially perpendicular tothe lid panel, is placed on the receptacle. The step of placing theremovable top closure on the receptacle includes the four closure panelsoverlapping the four side panels, such that a first closure panel isoperatively configured between the first finger hold and the first gapand a second closure panel is operatively configured between the secondfinger hold and the second gap of the receptacle. The receptacle and topclosure form a portable container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a disassembled top front perspective view of an embodiment ofa portable container having a receptacle and a removable top closure.

FIG. 2 depicts a top front perspective view of the portable container ofFIG. 1, with a removed top closure engaged.

FIG. 3 depicts a bottom rear perspective view of the portable containerof FIG. 1 with handles in a second handle position.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the portable container of FIG. 1 with topclosure engaged.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the removable top closure from FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 depicts a top perspective view of the open receptacle fromFIG. 1. with handles in first position.

FIG. 7 is an embodiment of an unassembled top closure.

FIG. 8 is an embodiment of a partially assembled receptacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in detail in termsof various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention withreference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detaileddescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious,however, to those skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures are not shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessaryobscuring of the present invention.

Thus, all the implementations described below are exemplaryimplementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make oruse the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit thescope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. As used herein,the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as“exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, in thepresent description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”,“right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereofshall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

FIG. 1 depicts a top front perspective view of an embodiment of aportable container 100 for waste products with a removed top closure106. The term portable container may also be referred to as a box or asimilar container. Shown in this figure are a receptacle 150 and aremovable top closure 106. The receptacle 150 is depicted having sidepanels 105, of which there may be a plurality. Four side panels 105 aredepicted in this embodiment. Each side panel may have, a top, a bottom,two side edges, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The tops ofconnected side panels 105 define a receptacle opening 408, leading tothe interior of receptacle 150. Of the four side panels is a first setof opposing side panels 140 and a second set of opposing side panels145. The removable top closure 106 has a lid panel 103, a pivotallyconnected flap 104 covering a disposal opening 114 (see FIG. 2), andclosure panels 102. There may be a plurality of closure panels 102, butin this embodiment two of a total of four closure panels 102 are shown.

Referring to FIG. 1, a handle 101 is shown on each of the first set ofopposing side panels 140. Handle 101 may have a top, a bottom, twosides, an inner surface and an outer surface. There may be a pluralityof handles 101, with, for example, one handle 101 per side panel ofportable closure 100. Handle 101 is shown having finger holds 108 andfinger hold flaps 119. Handles 101 are depicted in a second position,pivoted out from the plane of the outer surface of one of side panels105, resulting in gaps 112. Handle 101 pivots at a handle connection 111to side panel 105, where handle connection 111 may also be the bottom ofhandle 101. A first handle position also exists, with first positionhaving each of handles 101 coplanar with the side panel 105 to whichhandle 101 is pivotally connected (see FIG. 6).

Also depicted in FIG. 1, is a single pivotally connected protectivepanel 207. Protective panel 207 is most likely to be connected to asingle closure panel of closure panels 102. Protective panel 207 isshown located at the rear of top closure 106. However, in otherembodiments, the protective panel 207 or panels may also be at thefront, the back, or one or both sides of the top closure 106, orcombinations thereof.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of portable container 100 for wasteproducts with removable top closure 106 covering receptacle 150 andopening 408 (see FIG. 1). Removable top closure 106 may have lid panel103 and closure panels 102. The flap 104 is in an open position anddisposal opening 114 is visible. Handles 101, with finger hold 108, aredepicted as pivoted out from the plane of side panels 105.

FIG. 3 depicts a bottom rear perspective view of an embodiment ofportable container 100. Also depicted is fastened or engaged top closure106 having closure panels 102, and flap 104 visible in an open position.Protective panel 207 is shown extending downward from lid panel 103.

Still referring to FIG. 3, receptacle 150 also has a bottom closure 208,which is generally perpendicular to side panels 105 at the side panelbottom edges. Bottom closure 208 is depicted in this embodiment as beingsolid. However, bottom closure 208 may be of any box bottom closure typeincluding, for example, a slotted container bottom, a snap-lock bottom,a 1-2-3 bottom, an autolock bottom, a tuck and tongue bottom, a sixcorner tray style bottom, a beer style bottom, or a sealed end stylebottom. Other box styles which may be used include, for example, aslotted box with scores, a bellow style top and bottom, a telescope box,a design style, a roll end tray, and a folder style.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a portable container 100for waste products. Handles 101 are shown in second position with theremovable top closure 106 affixed to the top of the receptacle (notvisible). Also depicted are pivotally connected flap 104, in an openposition, and disposal opening 114.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, protective panel 207 may be seen extendingfrom the interior of top closure 106. Protective panel 207 may extenddown from one of the closure panels 102, fold over, and extend towardsthe underside of lid panel 103. Protective panel 207 extends from theend of one of the closure panels 102, where it is pivotally connectedand placed against the underside of lid panel 103 to cover disposalopening 114.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an open receptacle150 with the handles 101 shown in first position. Side panels 105 andhandle connections 111 are shown. Handles 101 are positioned on thefirst set of opposing side panels 140. Depicted is a side panel overlap610 which is hingedly connected to one of panels 105. For assembly,receptacle 150 may have, side panel overlap 610 folded and connected tothe interior face of an adjacent side panel. For example, for receptacle150 with four side panels, panel overlap 610 may be foldably connectedto a first side panel and affixed to the interior face of a fourth sidepanel, such that each side panel 105 may be perpendicular to eachadjacent side panel 105. In this embodiment, a single wall corrugatedboard fastener or adhesive is used, but any suitable paper-basedcontainer material fastener or adhesive may be used for the connection.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, receptacle 150 is depicted as a box with an opentop. The tops of panels 105 define the open top of receptacle 150 andpanels 105 define the boundaries of opening 408. Portable container 100,receptacle 150, removable top closure 106, and handles 101 may be madeof single wall corrugated board. It is most common that all componentsof portable container 100 are from paper-based container material suchas single wall corrugated board. However, other paper-based containermaterials including, for example, paperboard, boxboard, containerboard,other corrugated board, corrugated fiberboard, and solid fiberboard, maybe used. Other non-paper materials may be used, with disposability beinga desirable material characteristic.

Plastic corrugated board or other foam core type board materials may beused. However, paper-based container materials are desirable due to thelow cost and the ease of container disposal. It may be possible to havea top closure 106 of one type of material and a receptacle 150 ofanother material.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-6, handles 101 in first position may becoplanar with side panels 105. When handles 101 are in first position,there are no gaps. Gaps 112 are created when handles 101 are pivoted outfrom their respective side panels 105.

Handles 101 may be cut or perforated along the sides to make handles 101movable or movable with minimal force applied. Moving handle 101 fromfirst position to second position, handle 101 is pivoted out from theside panel 105 about handle connection 111, gap 112 is created in thespace previously occupied by handle 101. Handle 101 pivots about thehandle bottom or handle connection 111 with handle top movable in an arcabout handle connection 111, with handle 101 extending from the outersurface of side panel 105. Handles 101 on opposing panels 140 would, forexample, move from first position to second position in opposingdirection, movable in an arc about the respective side panel of eachhandle.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-3, closure panels 102 are shown extendingbelow finger holds 108. When handles 101 are in second position and thetop closure 106 is placed onto and affixed to receptacle 150, closurepanels 102 may extend below the finger holds 108 or may extend farenough vertically downward to be positioned between the finger holds 108and gaps 112. Closure panels 102 act as a barrier between the fingerholds 108 of handles 101 and any box contents (not shown), when handles101 are in second handle position. Closure panels 102 may extend to thebottom of each of the handles 101, to handle connections 111, wherehandles 101 connect to side panels 105. Thus, portable container 100 maybe lifted without the finger holds 108 being exposed to broken glass orplastics in the receptacle interior. Positioning removable top closure106 over receptacle 150 may cover or obstruct gaps 112 and may minimizechances of injury from sharp objects within receptacle 150, whenportable container 100 is carried by handles 101. The position of thehandles 101 on the sides of receptacle 150 keeps the handles 101 awayfrom the disposal opening 114 and thus handles 101 do not obstructdisposal opening 114. Handles 101 being positioned on side panels 105,allow for large disposal openings 114 and allow for large wastedeposits.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, in embodiments of the invention, handle 101 maypivot from 0 degrees to second position, which may be beyond 170 degreesrelative to first position. However, for most carrying tasks withengaged top closure 106, second position may be from approximately 20degrees to approximately 60 degrees from first position.

The expression “frictionally fastened” refers to frictional contactbetween surfaces or objects providing resistance to separation ofsurfaces or objects. In one embodiment, top closure 106 may be placedonto the top of receptacle 150 and the surface contact between interiorsurfaces of closure panels 102 and the exterior surface of side panels105 frictionally fastens the two parts. The contact between interiorsurfaces of closure panels 102 and the exterior surface of side panels105 provides resistance to removing top closure 106.

A plastic bag or water proof insert may be placed inside the receptacleopening for use as a liner (not shown). Since receptacle 150 is mostcommonly constructed from single walled corrugated board, a liner bagmay be used, or the single walled corrugated board may have a waterproofmaterial lined surface on the container interior to protect from wet ordamp waste materials. An embodiment using other paper-based containermaterials may similarly use a liner or have a waterproof material linedsurface. Top closure 106, when placed onto the receptacle 150, may aidin holding bag type liners in place, without the need for additionalfasteners or adhesives. Where portions of the bag liner extend out oftop opening 408 of receptacle 150 and over side panels 105, engagementof top closure 106, may place closure panels 102 such that bag linersare held between side panels 105 and closure panels 102.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, waste materials may be deposited throughdisposal opening 114 with pivotally connected flap 104. The size andshape of opening 114 may vary with the particular waste application.While these embodiments show a substantially circular pivotallyconnected flap 104 covering a substantially circular disposal opening114, pivotally connected flap 104 may be of a size and shape limited bythe dimensions of the lid panel 103. Other embodiments may have apivotally connected flap 104 that is of a different size and shape thanthe disposal opening 114. However, pivotally connected flap 104 is morelikely to be of a size and shape to match disposal opening 114. In thisembodiment, disposal opening 114 and pivotally connected flap 104 arefacing the front of portable container 100. Disposal opening 114 andpivotally connected flap 104 may face in any direction or orientationand may be changed by removing and engaging or replacing top closure106, onto receptacle 150, in a different orientation. It is alsopossible to have embodiments with no opening or an opening with nopivotally connected flap. However, in situations where portablecontainer 100 is used to store glass and sharp materials or objects, itis desirable to have flap 104 at least partially covering disposalopening 114, because objects may stick out. Flap 104 also serves as aconvenient place to print warnings, information, and advertising.

Further referring to FIGS. 1-6, the handles 101 being pivotallyconnected to each of the pair of opposing side panels 140, maydistribute the weight of the box between the pair of opposing sidepanels 140, and may help provide stability when lifting. The presence ofthe top closure 106 affixed to the top of the receptacle 150 may providesupport at the top portion of side panels 105, limiting bowing, bending,or other box deformation and providing reinforcement to receptacle 150.

Embodiments of portable container 100 may be of any size or shape, witha square shaped base or bottom closure 208 being preferred. The heightof the receptacle 150 may vary but having square base or bottom closure208 provides easier horizontal and vertical stacking and may make foreasier transportation. Handles 101, whether in first or second position,generally do not affect vertical stacking. Horizontal stacking may belargely unaffected or minimally affected because handles 101 arecommonly from paperboard, making them generally foldable and flexible.However, top closure 106 may be lifted off receptacle 150, handles 101placed in first position, and top closure 106 replaced if required.

A preferred embodiment with a top center position for handles 101provides for a strong hand hold and greater ability to support theweight of the waste materials and the box. Such a handle may behorizontally centered with respect to the width of side panel 105 (e.g.,the distance between the two sides of side panel 105) and with respectto adjacent side panels 105. Finger holds 108 may be generally,correspondingly centered with handles 101. Handles 101 on opposing sidepanels 140 may be generally positioned opposite each other and havesubstantially the same sizing within the integral boundaries ofreceptacle 150. To most easily have closure panel 102 between fingerholds 108 and gap 112 to the inside of receptacle 150, it may bepreferred to place handles 101 extending from the top or near the top ofpanels 105. The top of handle 101 may be, for example, collinear withthe top of side panel 105. The further vertically down the side panel105 towards the bottom closure 208 the handle connections 111 may be,the larger gaps 112 may be, and the longer closure panels 102 may be tocontinue to protect the finger holds 108 from gaps 112 and the wastematerial inside the receptacle 150. For example, handles 101 with topscollinear with tops of side panel 105, may have gaps 112 extending fromthe top of side panel 105 to handle connection 111, with gaps 112 havinga similar width and height as handle 101. Material considerations mayalso factor into handles position placement as sizing of top closure 106may be affected. In other embodiments factors such as receptacle widthand height, finger hold size, the type of paper material used, and thetype of waste material may be considerations for sizing and handleplacement.

One preferred embodiment of a portable container 100 may have dimensionsof 12.25″×12.25″×27.25″H for receptacle 150 with top closure 106 affixedon top. For such preferred embodiment, handles 101 each may measure6.125″W×4.5″H with finger holds 108 each measuring 3″W×1.25″H. The topclosure dimensions for such a portable container 100 may be12.5″L×13.125″W×4.125″H.

In other embodiments, the handles may be the width of the side panel(e.g. for a receptacle with dimensions 12.25″×12.25″×27.25″H, thehandles may be 12.25″W). However, for receptacle integrity under load itis preferable to have at least a 1″ border of side panel 105 to thesides of handles 101, with the 1″ border connected to each adjacentperpendicular side panel 105. For smaller receptacles, handles 101 mayhave a width of 4″W. A common range for the width of handles 101 may be5″-9″W. Handles 101 may be longer or shorter than 4.5″H and it ispossible to have handles 101 hinged near or at the bottom of side panels105, where side panels 105 connect to the bottom closure 208, andextending vertically to the top of receptacle 150. A common height rangefor handles 101 may be 3″-7″. Longer handles 101 may either require topclosure 106 to have significantly longer closure panels 102, or mayleave significant gaps 112. Shorter handles 101 may provide insufficientfinger hold space with sufficient material to support the weight of thereceptacle and waste material, without adding reinforcing material. Thesize of portable container 100, the size of side panels 105, and theweight of waste material portable container 100 is intended to supportmay factor into handle dimensions. However, for example, height rangesof 3″-7″ and width ranges 5″-9″W for handles 101 may be generallyapplicable.

The finger holds may be die cut or perforated with some embodimentsbeing partially die cut with folding or pivoting finger hold flaps 119.Finger hold size and position may affect the sizing of handles 101. Acommon range may be 2.5-5″W. It may be possible to have smaller fingerholds for smaller boxes, but less than 2.5″W may likely not accommodatea grip with four fingers through finger holds 108. It may also not belikely that the finger holds will exceed 5″W without adding reinforcingmaterial to the top of handles 101. The height of the finger holds 108may commonly be in the range of 0.75-2″H. The height of the finger holds108 also may affect vertical positioning within each of handles 101.Finger holds 108 are generally vertically positioned towards the top ofhandles 101, with the finger holds commonly positioned between 1-2″ fromthe top of handles 101. A 3″W×1.25″H finger hold generally accommodatesgrasping each of handles 101 with four fingers placed through the fingerhold and may be positioned on handle 101 to enable curling the thumbover the top of handles 101 to meet or to come in close proximity withthe fingers. These dimensions accommodate most hand sizes. The fingerhold flaps 119 provides limited reinforcement but also provides a smoothsurface for finger contact. While it is possible to create a finger holdless than 1″ from the top of handles 101, the portion of handles 101above the finger holds 108 may bears significant amount of the weight ofreceptacle 150 when carried. With less than 1″ space above the fingerholds 108, it is likely to require reinforcing material. Finger holds108 vertically positioned more than 2″ from the top may make grippingdifficult for most people and may inhibit placing fingers through fingerholds 108 and curling the thumb over the top of the handles 101 to meetor to come in close proximity with the fingers.

In still certain other embodiments, handles 101 may maintain thepreferred height, width, and finger hold ranges and still behorizontally centered but be vertically positioned away from the top ofside panels 105, with the tops of handles 101 not being colinear withthe top of panels 105. Handles 101 in this configuration may be belowthe tops of side panels 105, with handles 101 being framed within sidepanels 105. Such an embodiment may have side panel material above thehandles 101, as well as to the sides of the handles 101. Such anembodiment may require top closure 106 to have longer closure panels 102to cover gaps 112.

In further embodiments, handles 101 may be at other locations of theside panel 105. Handles 101 may even be offset from each other, offsetfrom the side panel horizontal center, and the handles 101 may be atvertically different heights along the side panel 105.

The top closure dimensions for a preferred embodiment receptacle 150 maybe 12.5″L×13.125″W×4.125″H. These dimensions for the top closure 106 mayprovide coverage of gaps 112 created when preferred embodiment handles101 are in second position keeping the handles separated from sharpobjects in the interior of receptacle 150 and top closure is engaged. Inembodiments where the handles are vertically lower on the side panel,the closure panels 102 may need to be of greater vertical height toensure coverage of gaps 112. The height of closure panels 102 may dependon, for example, the vertical height of side panels 105, the position ofhandles 101 on side panels 105, the size of handles 101, and thelocation of finger holds 108 within handles 101. In certain embodimentswhere handles are pivoted from the bottom of side panels 105, the heightof closure panels 102 may be the same as the height of side panels 105of receptacle 150. The length and the width of lid panel 103 will varywith the dimensions of receptacle opening 408, with width and lengthbeing correspondingly larger to ensure that top closure 106 may befrictionally fastened to the exterior of side panels 105 when engagedwith receptacle 150. In certain embodiments of top closure 106, thewidth and length may be transposed. Protective panel 207 may generallybe sized to the same or smaller than the dimensions of lid panel 103.Top closure 106 sizing may be, for example, relative to receptacle 150sizing, relative to the size of handles 105, and relative to thelocation of handles 105, so as to cover receptacle opening 408 and toprovide coverage of gaps 112.

“Engaging”, “affixing”, “operatively configuring”, “covering”, andsimilar terms implying putting a top, cover, or lid onto a receptacle,may be used interchangeably. Affixing top closure 106 to the top ofenclosure 150 such that the inner sides of closure panels 102 are infrictional contact with side panels 105, so that the inner side of lidpanel 103 is in contact with or in near proximity with the tops of sidepanels 105. By placing handles 102 in second position, affixing may alsoinclude placing top closure such that closure panels 102 are positionedbelow the finger holds 108, preferably covering gaps 112.

When not in use, protective panel 207 will ordinarily extend downwardfrom one of the lid panels. If more than one protective panel is part ofthe embodiment, each protective panel pivotally connects to a singlepanel. Protective panel 207 may not be necessary for all embodiments oftop closure 106. However, safety regulations and policies in academicinstitutions and laboratory environments often require that the topopening be securely closed when not in use or when being moved.Protective panel 207 folds up from the bottom and may make lid panel 103a substantially solid closed surface.

A portable container, cover, and handles of the preferred dimensions maybe rated for approximately 251 bs of waste material. However, the wasteweight rating will vary with the portable container dimensions and thematerial used to construct the portable container. The weight rating maybe from 11 bs to 1001 bs but will most commonly be used for wastermaterial weighing within the range of 151 bs-551 bs.

In still other embodiments, receptacle dimensions, top closuredimensions, and handle dimensions will vary with the portable containerapplication.

It is most common that side panels 105 are of the same height. However,there may be embodiments where a pair of opposing panels are of adifferent height, with an adjacent opposing side pair having a slopinggeometry and configuration to match the height difference. Handles forsuch a configuration may have a sloped top, but it is most likely thatthe pivoting handle bottoms would remain parallel to the ground.Similarly, a suitable sloping top closure for such a configuration maybe used.

As handles 101 are pivotally connected and extend from side panels 105,it is preferable that the handles be of the same material as thereceptacle 150. It is also common that top closure 106 may be of thesame or similar material as the receptacle 150. Top closure 106 may beof a different material. However, since disposability is desired, thematerials used for the receptacle 150 and top closure 106 are likely tobe materials that are the same or similar and have the same or similardisposal methods.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of an unassembled top closure. Depicted isa top closure assembly having a pair of opposing closure panels 710.Each of a first pair of opposing closure panels 710 has a pair of sideflaps 714 extending out from each side panel 710. Each of a second pairof opposing closure panels 711 has a roll-end from a pair of roll-ends712. The first pair of closure panels 710 may be folded perpendicular tolid panel 703 (as seen from the bottom side), with side flaps 714 foldedinward and perpendicular to lid panel 703, so that when second pair ofclosure panels 711 are folded perpendicular to lid panel 703, roll-ends712 fold over side flaps 714. One of the second pair of opposing closurepanels 711 is depicted with protective panel 207, pivotally connected,by a fold 715, to an end of one roll-end of the top closure 106.Pivotally connected flap 104 is also depicted, centrally located in lidpanel 703.

FIG. 8 depicts a partially assembled embodiment of receptacle 150 forshipping or prior to final assembly. Receptacle 150 and top closure 106may be shipped flat and may be assembled. Handles 101, including fingerholes 108, may be die cut or perforated but will ordinarily be in firsthandle position. Finger hold flaps 119 may initially be substantiallyflush with the surfaces of handles 101, with finger holds 108 created bypushing or folding the finger hold flaps 119. In some embodiments, thefinger holds 108 may be die cut or perforated around the perimeter withthe finger hold flap 119 being pushed out completely, rather thanfolding. Once the receptacle 150 and the top closure 106 are assembled,they may be put together and used. The handles 101 may remain in a firsthandle position or be moved to a second handle position before portablecontainer 100 is used for waste disposal.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 6, and 8. One embodiment of the receptacle 150,flattened for shipping, may have a pair of opposing side panels withhandles cut out and a pair of opposing side panels with no handles, witheach side panel connected to a component for a lock bottom, bottomclosure. There may be a plurality of bottom closure panels formingbottom closure 208.

FIG. 8 depicts four lock bottom closure panels or connections, includingfirst bottom closure panel 821, second bottom closure panel 822, thirdbottom closure panel 823, and fourth bottom closure panel 824. A firstside panel has a short flap 610 which is glued to the inner face of afourth side panel, to connect the sides so as to form a box uponassembly of receptacle 150 (see FIG. 6). Receptacle 150 may be assembledby pushing in the flattened edges of the side panels 820 towards eachother and then connecting the lock bottom components to create a box orcontainer with an opening.

In embodiments of the invention, there may be more than two handles. Theembodiment of FIGS. 7-8 facilitates two handles as the box and lid canbe attached in any direction. Additional handles may be present in someembodiments but are not necessary. In certain embodiments, it may bedesirable to have handles on each side panel 105. There may also beembodiments with one set of handles 101 on the first set of opposingside panels being differently sized from a second set of handles on thesecond set of opposing side panels.

There may also be embodiments where there are handles on each side panelof receptacle 150.

In common use portable container 100 is shipped as a blank or partiallyassembled such that the blank or partial assembly becomes the inventiondescribed herein.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-6, receptacle 150 may be assembled, withhandles 101 either in first position or in second position. However, forsafety reasons, handles 101 may be placed in second position. A linerbag may be placed within receptacle 150 and may have the bag openingextending outside the receptacle. Closure 106 may be assembled, withprotective panel 207 unengaged and in a generally perpendicular positionto lid panel 103. Top closure 106 may be affixed to receptacle 150. Ifhandles 101 are in second handle position, top closure 106 may bepositioned so that closure panels 102 are positioned parallel to butoutside of side panels 105 but between handles 101 and gaps 112. Withfinger holds 108 positioned within handles 101, closure panels 102 mayalso be between finger holds 108 and gaps 112. If handles 101 are infirst handle position, top closure 106 may be engaged so that closurepanels 102 are parallel to the outer surface of side panels 105 andoutside of handles 101. Protective panel 207 may be on any side but willgenerally be on a side panel 105 of receptacle 150 having no handles.Flap 104 may generally be left in an open position, so that wastematerial may be deposited into disposal opening 114.

When portable container 100 is ready for disposal, top closure 106 maybe removed and protective panel 207 placed against the underside of lidpanel 103. If handles 101 are not already in second position, handles101 may be pivoted away from side panels 105. Top closure 106 may beengaged so that closure panels 102 are positioned parallel to, butoutside of, side panels 105 and between handles 101 and gaps 112 in sidepanels 105. The portable container 100 may then be transported bygrasping handles 101 through finger holds 108, and lifting to move ortransport portable container 100. Once portable container 100 is readyfor disposal, the entire container and its contents may be disposed(e.g., incinerated), without removing the contents from the container.

While several aspects of the present invention have been described anddepicted herein, alternative aspects may be effected by those skilled inthe art to accomplish the same objectives. Accordingly, it is intendedby the appended claims to cover all such alternative aspects as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Embodiments

Embodiment 1 is a portable container for waste products, having anassembled receptacle with four side panels, hingedly connected, havingbottom edges, hingedly connected, to a plurality of bottom closurepanels, the bottom closure panels overlapping to form a bottom closure.The four side panels each have a top edge, such that the four sidepanels and the bottom closure define a box with a top opening. The fourside panels include a first and a second set of opposing side panels,the first set of opposing side panels having a first side panel and asecond side panel. The first side panel has a first handle, the firsthandle having a first handle first position and a first handle secondposition, such that the first handle first position is coplanar with thefirst side panel. The first handle further has a first handle top, afirst finger hold, and a first handle bottom, the first handle bottombeing parallel to a first panel bottom edge and pivotally secured to thefirst side panel, with the first handle being pivotally movable in anarc extending from the first side panel about the first handle bottom toa first handle second position, angled away relative to the first sidepanel, and defining a first gap coplanar with the first side panel. Thesecond side panel has a second handle, having a second handle firstposition and a second handle second position, such that the secondhandle first position is coplanar with the second side panel. The secondhandle further has a second handle top, a second finger hold, and asecond handle bottom, the second handle bottom being parallel to asecond panel bottom edge and pivotally secured to the second side panel,with the second handle being pivotally movable in an arc extending fromthe second side panel about the second handle bottom to a second handlesecond position, angled away relative to the second side panel, anddefining a second gap coplanar with the second side panel. The firsthandle and the second handle are opposably movable relative to eachother. Further included is a removable top closure having a lid paneland four closure panels configured substantially perpendicular to thelid panel to define a box lid, wherein the lid panel has a top side anda bottom side.

Embodiment 2 is the portable container for waste products of embodiment1, where the first handle being in the first handle second position, thesecond handle being in the second handle second position, the removabletop closure positionally disposed to cover the receptacle, such that thefour closure panels overlap the four side panels, such that a firstclosure panel is operatively configured between the first finger holdand the first gap and a second closure panel is operative configuredbetween the second finger hold and the second gap of the receptacle.

Embodiment 3 is the portable container for waste products of embodiment2, where the first finger hold is configured between the first handletop and the first handle bottom and the second finger hold is configuredbetween the second handle top and the second handle bottom.

Embodiment 4 is the portable container for waste products of embodiment1, where the first handle being in the first handle first position, thefirst handle top is colinear with a first side panel top and the firsthandle is horizontally centered and perpendicular to the first sidepanel top; and wherein the second handle being in the second handlefirst position the second handle top is colinear with a second sidepanel top and the second handle is horizontally centered andperpendicular to the second side panel top.

Embodiment 5 is the portable container for waste products of embodiment1, further including a paper-based container material.

Embodiment 6 is the portable container for waste products of embodiment5, where the paper-based container material comprises a single walledcorrugated board.

Embodiment 7 is the portable container for waste products of embodiment1 where the first handle, the second handle, the first finger hold, andthe second finger hold comprise die cut openings in each of the firstset of opposing side panels.

Embodiment 8 is the portable container for waste products of embodiment1, where the bottom closure and the four side panels define asubstantially square bottom closure perimeter.

Embodiment 9 is the portable container for waste products of embodiment1, where the top closure includes a disposal opening with a pivotallyconnected flap.

Embodiment 10 is the portable container for waste products of embodiment9, where at least one of the four closure panels has a pivotallyconnected protective panel configured to cover the disposal opening whenplaced against the bottom side of the lid panel.

Embodiment 11 is the portable container for waste products of embodiment1, having a receptacle liner wherein the receptacle liner is at leastpartially within the receptacle.

Embodiment 12 is the portable container for waste products of embodiment2, where the top closure is frictionally fastened.

Embodiment 13 is the portable container for waste products of embodiment1 where the second set of opposing side panels comprising a third sidepanel with a third handle and a fourth side panel with a fourth handle.

Embodiment 14 is a method for safely disposing waste products, includingproviding a receptacle having a bottom closure, and four side panels,defining a box with a top opening, where the four side panels include afirst and a second set of opposing side panels, the first set ofopposing side panels having a first side panel and a second side panel.The first side panel includes a first handle, the first handle having afirst handle first position and a first handle second position, suchthat the first handle first position is coplanar with the first sidepanel. The first handle further has a first handle top, a first fingerhold, and a first handle bottom, the first handle bottom being parallelto a first panel bottom edge and pivotally secured to the first sidepanel, with the first handle being pivotally movable in an arc extendingfrom the first side panel about the first handle bottom to a firsthandle second position, angled away relative to the first side panel,and defining a first gap coplanar with the first side panel. The secondside panel includes a second handle, the second handle having a secondhandle first position and a second handle second position, such that thesecond handle first position is coplanar with the second side panel. Thesecond handle further has a second handle top, a second finger hold, anda second handle bottom, the second handle bottom being parallel to afirst panel bottom edge and pivotally secured to the second side panel,with the second handle being pivotally movable in an arc extending fromthe second side panel about the second handle bottom to a second handlesecond position, angled away relative to the second side panel, anddefining a second gap coplanar with the second side panel. The firsthandle and the second handle are opposably movable relative to eachother. The receptacle contains waste products. The first handle isplaced in first handle second position and the second handle is placedinto second handle second position. A removable top closure having a topside and a bottom side, a lid panel, and four closure panels defining abox lid, the four closure panels being substantially perpendicular tothe lid panel, is placed on the receptacle. The step of placing theremovable top closure on the receptacle includes the four closure panelsoverlapping the four side panels, such that a first closure panel isoperatively configured between the first finger hold and the first gapand a second closure panel is operatively configured between the secondfinger hold and the second gap of the receptacle. The receptacle and topclosure form a portable container.

Embodiment 15 is the method for disposing of waste products ofembodiment 14, further including the step of moving the portablecontainer, wherein the step of moving comprises grasping the firsthandle and the second handle, and lifting the receptacle.

Embodiment 16 is the method for disposing of waste products ofembodiment 15 further comprising the steps of, loading the portablecontainer onto a carrying device, unloading the portable container offof the carrying device, or a combination thereof.

Embodiment 17 is the method for disposing of waste products ofembodiment 16, wherein the portable container is disposed.

Embodiment 18 is any one of embodiments 1-17 combined with any one ormore embodiments 2-17.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container for waste products, comprising: areceptacle comprising a plurality of side panels and a bottom closure,the plurality of side panels each having a top edge defining a top ofthe receptacle, and the plurality of side panels and the bottom closureforming an enclosure with a top opening at the top of the receptabledefined by the top edges of the plurality of side panels; and aremovable top closure configured to be seated on the top of thereceptacle, the top closure comprising a lid panel that extends over thetop opening and a plurality of closure panels extending downwardly fromthe lid panel over portions of the plurality of side panels when the topclosure is seated on the top of the receptacle, wherein the lid panel ofthe top closure comprises a disposal opening and a closure flap that isselectively movable between a closed position that closes off thedisposal opening and an open position that exposes the disposal opening,and wherein the top closure includes a protective panel movably coupledto one of the plurality of closure panels configured to be selectivelypositioned against a bottom side of the lid panel and cover the disposalopening when in a closed position.
 2. The container of claim 1, whereinthe closure flap is pivotally coupled with the lid panel and isconfigured to pivot between the closed and open positions thereof. 3.The container of claim 1, wherein the protective panel is pivotallycoupled to one of the plurality of closure panels, and is configured topivot between the closed position thereof and an open position whereinthe protective panel does not obstruct the disposal opening.
 4. Thecontainer of claim 3, wherein protective panel extends from one of theplurality of closure panels and is pivotally coupled thereto via aliving hinge.
 5. The container of claim 3, wherein the protective panelextends from one of the plurality of closure panels at a junction of theclosure panel and the lid panel.
 6. The container of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of side panels are hingedly connected with each other andwith a plurality of bottom closure panels, the plurality of bottomclosure panels being overlapped and forming the bottom closure.
 7. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the plurality of side panels of thereceptacle comprise a first side panel with a first carrying handle anda second side panel with a second carrying handle.
 8. The container ofclaim 7, wherein the first side panel and the second side panel areopposing side panels, and the plurality of side panels further compriseopposing third and fourth side panels extending between the first andsecond side panels.
 9. The container of claim 7, wherein the firstcarrying handle and the second carrying handle are positioned at theuppermost extent of the first and second side panels, respectively, atthe uppermost extent of the receptacle.
 10. The container of claim 9,wherein the first carrying handle is formed by a pair of separationsextending downwardly from the top edge of the first side panel to afirst handle bottom, and the second carrying handle is formed by a pairof separations extending downwardly from the top edge of the second sidepanel to a second handle bottom.
 11. The container of claim 9, whereinthe first handle top of the first handle comprises a portion of the topedge of the first side panel, and the second handle top of the secondhandle comprises a portion of the top edge of the second side panel. 12.The container of claim 7, wherein the first carrying handle comprises afirst handle top, a first finger hold opening and a first handle bottom,the first carrying handle being configured to pivot between a closedposition and an open position with the first carrying handle anglingaway from the first side panel as it extends from the first handlebottom to the first handle top, and wherein the second carrying handlecomprises a second handle top, a second finger hold opening and a secondhandle bottom, the second carrying handle being configured to pivotbetween a closed position and an open position with the second carryinghandle angling away from the second side panel as it extends from thesecond handle bottom to the second handle top.
 13. The container ofclaim 12, wherein the first finger hold is positioned between the firsthandle top and the first handle bottom, and the second finger hold ispositioned between the second handle top and the second handle bottom.14. The container of claim 12, wherein when the top closure is seated onthe top of the receptacle, a first closure panel of the plurality ofclosure panels extends over the first side panel, and a second closurepanel of the plurality of closure panels extends over the second sidepanel, and wherein, when the top closure is seated on the top of thereceptacle, a top edge of the first finger hold is positioned above abottom edge of the first closure panel, and a top edge of the secondfinger hold is positioned above a bottom edge of the second closurepanel.
 15. The container of claim 12, wherein, when the top closure isseated on the top of the receptacle, and the first handle is in theclosed position thereof and the second handle is in the closed positionthereof, the first handle top of the first handle and the second handletop of the second handle engage the bottom side of the lid panel. 16.The container of claim 7, wherein the first carrying handle is pivotablebetween a closed position and an open position with the first carryinghandle being angled away from the first side panel, and the secondcarrying handle is pivotable between a closed position and an openposition with the second carrying handle being angled away from thesecond side panel.
 17. The container of claim 16, wherein the firstcarrying handle is coplanar with the first side panel in the closedposition thereof, and the second carrying handle is coplanar with thesecond side panel in the closed position thereof.
 18. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of side panels comprises four side panelthat define two pairs of oppositely positioned side panels.
 19. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the receptacle and the removable topclosure are formed from a paper-based container material.
 20. Thecontainer of claim 1, further comprising a receptacle liner positionedat least partially within the enclosure.